Minnesota Vikings refuse to guarantee Kirk Cousins’ new contract?

And as we inch closer to the scouting combine, patience seems to be running short. Just days after Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) reported that the Wilfs are playing hardball with a growingly irritated Justin Jefferson, specifically related to the amount of years they’re willing to guarantee in his new contract, Albert Breer (MMQB) is reporting on Monday that the Vikings front office is doing the same thing with pending free agent quarterback, Kirk Cousins.

Because of some creative timing in his contract (his current deal voids after the deadline to tag a player is passed), Cousins can’t be franchised by the Vikings, so all he has to do to become available to the other 31 teams is, well, do nothing contractually until mid-March.

At this point, it makes the most sense for him to do that. The current Minnesota brass, now going into its third season, really likes Cousins, but it’s also been made clear that they’re not going to go contractually where the previous regime did twice, and give Cousins a fully guaranteed deal. Absent that, Cousins is now in position to hit the market like he did six years ago, this time older and, of course, more injured.

Albert Breer – MMQB (SI)

Related: Most of the Shanahan Coaching Tree is Eyeing Kirk Cousins, as Vikings Drag Feet

Obviously, Albert Breer is one of the most trusted insiders in NFL media so the source of this report isn’t a question. What we don’t know, however, is how many years are on these offers he’s reporting about.

How long of a deal are we talking?

It wouldn’t be the first time, however, that reports have surfaced this offseason saying the Vikings won’t guarantee more than one year for Kirk Cousins. Kevin Siefert (ESPN) reported the same thing about three weeks ago (Jan 30).

The outcome likely will hinge on whether the Vikings are willing to give Cousins, who turns 36 in the summer, multiple fully guaranteed years in his new deal. That seems a 50-50 proposition at best.”

Kevin Siefert – ESPN

If the Minnesota Vikings are only offering two-year contracts to Kirk, it’s certainly interesting to know that they aren’t willing to guarantee both years. Without a doubt, Kirk can get two fully guaranteed years elsewhere.

I wouldn’t surprised if he can find a team that will give him three fully-guaranteed seasons, if the bidding war really got going in free agency. Maximizing term and guaranteed money on his new contract is very important to Cousins. It’s what allows him to keep control of his situation. He has said as much multiple times.

If the Vikings aren’t going to fully guarantee two seasons, they might as well shut down negotiations right now. On the contrary, if Cousins and Kwesi are discussing 3-year deals, it’s absolutely no surprise that they’re refusing to offer a fully-guaranteed salary in 2026. A 3rd fully-guaranteed year was never expected to be in the cards.

How much money are we talking?

How much will Kirk get? Breer hits on his possible floor being $30 million per season, but that infatuated teams could bid him up to $40-$45 million; all of which are projections we’ve seen before.

Related: Jason and Travis Kelce Love Vikings Fans and Playing at U.S. Bank Stadium

What sort of price Cousins will be able to command is another question. Derek Carr and Garoppolo did pretty well on the B-level market last year, as did Geno Smith, so something like $30 million would seem to be attainable. Is $40 million or $45 million per in reach? That’s a good question, as is how far the Vikings would be willing to go to keep Cousins.

Albert Breer – MMQB (SI)

The NFL insider also went on to say that the front office touched in with Cousins’ camp last week and that talks are expected to pick up closer to the NFL combine, which teams will start to meet for in Indianapolis next week.

Minnesota Vikings potential suitors for Derrick Henry, other running backs

But, that hasn’t stopped them from being linked to some big name running backs already this offseason. And on Monday, it happened again, this time over at PFF, where salary cap expert and former Vikings intern, Brad Spielberger named Minnesota as a potential landing spot for legendary Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.

Minnesota’s rushing attack was one of the least efficient across the NFL this past season, and they may also be looking to bring along a young quarterback whether or not they keep Kirk Cousins in the fold. This front office may not be viewed as one very likely to pay top dollar to the running back position, especially after they sharply moved on from Dalvin Cook before the 2023 season, but maybe there’s enough of a buy-low opportunity here on Henry.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Related: Vikings Insider Reveals Team’s Interest in 2024 NFL Draft Quarterbacks

Vikings also linked to Devin Singletary

Henry wasn’t the only person that Brad has the Vikings interested in. He also tied them to Detroit Lions running back, Devin Singletary, who he tags as the less splashy option, should general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decide not to go all-in on the all-time Titans great.

If he and head coach Kevin O’Connell decide to stick with their Alexander Mattison tag-team approach, Singletary is a more likely addition. Last season, Mattison ran for 700 yards on 180 attempts (3.9 YPC), not ideal numbers for a legitimate RB1.

The Vikings are going to add a running back in some form or fashion, and perhaps they continue to deploy a committee approach with lower-cost options instead of making a bigger splash.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Obviously, Derrick Henry is a monster name, so any connection he has to the Minnesota Vikings is newsworthy. But even if it doesn’t end up being Henry, there is a lot evidence pointing to Kwesi & Co getting very serious about improving the run game to an extent that KOC feels comfortable to run the ball more often.

We’ll see if better options will make him more apt to run the ball. But having bigger names in the huddle at the running back position should, in theory, make the Vikings’ play caller more comfortable calling for the ball to stay on the ground AND feel more pressure to do so, as well.

Related: PFN Mock Draft has Minnesota Vikings Trading Way Up for QB of the Future

Do these running back rumors mean anything for the Vikings’ future with Kirk Cousins? Eh, not that I see. Derrick Henry will be somewhat spendy compared to other running backs, but he’s still a running back. The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of options that can help relieve salary cap pressure. Even a Henry signing wouldn’t affect their ability to get something done with Kirk, Justin Jefferson or Danielle Hunter.

Related: 3 Teams Have Better Projected Odds to Land Kirk Cousins Than Vikings

From everything that’s been reported, that will depend on a couple of things. What will Cousins’ demands be, from a money standpoint — AKA: will he consider a team-friendly discount for the Vikings? Projections have been all over the place, from as low as $30 million per year to as much as $45 million.

But much of the decision seems to be on the Vikings. If Kirk is willing to give them a discount, will they offer him multiple guaranteed years. Recent reports suggest that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah & Co may be hesitant to do so.

ESPN Insider Predicts Vikings Sign Kirk Cousins for $85 Million

But Vikings beat writer and longtime NFL reporter, Kevin Siefert (ESPN), believes the two sides will find common ground at some point, before Cousins becomes a free agent.

Seifert also highlights Kirk Cousins desire to remain in Minnesota, which he’s previously made public many times. Kevin even puts a price tag on Kirk, based on his educated opinion of what he’ll eventually end up signing for.

“In other words, Cousins — who threw 18 touchdown passes in eight games this season — isn’t likely to be seeking a record-breaking deal in terms of average annual salary, but he does want the Vikings to back up whatever commitment they make with guaranteed money. Drafting at No. 11, Minnesota isn’t likely to select one of the top-tier quarterbacks in the class, so it makes sense to bring back Cousins. So in this case, let’s re-sign him to a two-year, $85 million fully guaranteed extension. That gives the Vikings two years — until Cousins is 38 years old — to draft and develop his successor.”

Kevin Seifert ESPN

Seifert believes that Cousins isn’t seeking a record breaking yearly salary but rather prefers a substantial amount of guaranteed money. This approach seems reasonable, especially considering his recent serious injury he prioritizes securing guaranteed funds.

$85 million guaranteed may seem substantial, but in today’s QB market, it would come in below market value. Some may not want to admit it but Cousins is arguably the top quarterback in the NFC, and offers an immediate chance at a Super Bowl for any team that believes they’re a high-end QB away from it.

Related: NFL Insider Reveals Fast-Rising Prospect Minnesota Vikings ‘Have a Lot of Interest in’

But don’t forget about the veteran NFL scribe making these predictions, because he didn’t stop his QB speculation at Kirk Cousins. Seifert also suggests that, in addition to extending Kirk, the Vikings will also draft their quarterback of the future.

JJ McCarthy To The Vikings In Round 2?

Who, you ask? Michigan QB JJ McCarthy, who recently won a national title. I mean, if McCarthy is on the board at 41, it almost feels like a no brainer. But Siefert suggests the Vikings may be willing to move from pick 41, back into the 1st round, if they felt it was necessary. ESPN’s mock also thinks Bo Nix would be available at 41, but with Cousins back at the helm, he thinks McCarthy would be the move.

“The Vikings would be thrilled with this outcome, whether they get McCarthy via a trade up into the first round or by having him fall to them on Day 2. Oregon’s Bo Nix was also available here, and he might have been the choice if Cousins hadn’t been re-signed. But with the veteran under contract for the next couple of years in this scenario, the Vikings have a longer runway to develop McCarthy, who is 21 years old”

Kevin Siefert ESPN

If Seifert’s predictions come to fruition, it could present the perfect scenario for the Minnesota Vikings. Extending Kirk provides stability and clarity for the team over the next two seasons, while developing a college champion quarterback to develop behind him. With this setup, the Vikings could contend not only for the next couple of years but potentially for the next decade.

Related: Vikings Fans Have Been Sold a Bill of Salary Cap Lies

Speculation is everywhere regarding whether or not Kirk, who was having a career season before sustaining a season ending injury vs the Green Bay Packers in week 8. Will another team swoop in front of the Vikings and make him an offer he can’t refuse and Minnesota can’t match?

Adam Thompson, a veteran oddsmaker and NFL analyst at Bookies.com, believes so. Of all the things that has made me think twice about Kirk Cousins’ return, a plugged in oddsmaker placing the Vikings fourth on his simulated odds board, as #8’s next team.

Kirk Cousins Next Team Simulated Odds

Why Do 3 Teams Have Better Odds Than Minnesota?

The three teams ahead of the Vikings all have QB vacancies for teams that are believed to want to win ASAP. Both the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders have available cap space and quarterback uncertainties. The Patriots, led by first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, have Mac Jones, while the Raiders, under Antonio Pierce, anticipate the return of Jimmy Garoppolo from injury.

While the Patriots might offer a higher salary, the Raiders could present a more promising chance for success. Given Cousins age and lack of a Super Bowl appearances, Las Vegas might have the upper hand. Cousins has expressed that, at this point in his career, winning comes before all else.

Eventually, we will find out whether or not that is true. Something else that may have pushed these odds up, in the Raiders favor, was Davante Adams publicly stumping for Vegas’ new general manager to go sign Kirk Cousins.

Related: Davante Adams Wants Kirk Cousins to be His Next QB

There are insider predictions that Bill Belichick, one of the favorites to to be hired as Falcons next head coach, might attempt to lure Cousins with him to Atlanta for a shot at a Super Bowl. Thompson clearly likes the odds of that happening too. The Atlanta Falcons seem poised to part ways with Desmond Ridder and currently have the 15th highest cap space.

Vikings Are Still Very Much In The Mix

Thompson’s odds are somewhat reasonable, with no clear favorite emerging to secure Cousins at the moment. As the offseason progresses, we can expect to hear more speculation, but the Vikings are still in the process of sorting things out.

“A reunion with the Minnesota Vikings isn’t out of the question, and both sides have been saying the right things. Paying him what he’s worth will take some financial juggling, but the prospect of going into the season with Nick Mullens may disgruntle Justin Jefferson as he enters a contract year.”

Adam Thompson – Handicapper (Bookies.com)

Things are gonna start heating up very shortly. What will Kwesi Adofo Mensah and the Vikings decide to do? Many want Cousins resigned, will he take a discount? Will another team offer him more guaranteed money? So many unknowns.

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